Salary: $120,228.00 – $154,140.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Job Number: 23DOT-HQ-0W018
Closing: 5/8/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Learn more about this position and apply today at WSDOT’s Government Jobs page.

Job Description:

About WSDOT:

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world’s widest tunneling project. 

The Opportunity:

WSDOT is seeking a committed leader to fill the position of Multimodal Planning and Data Division Director. The Multimodal Planning and Data Division (MPDD) plays a critical role in informing decisions through expertise and innovation in transportation planning and data services to support a well-maintained, safe, efficient, integrated, and sustainable transportation system that fosters economic development and meets community needs. In addition to providing direct oversight over six division offices, the director guides seven region planning offices and multiple modal planning teams across the agency responsible for state and regional, and community planning activities. As a senior leader, the director is responsible for advancing data and planning and acts as a champion for the agency’s strategic plan, and is responsible for leading division initiatives to achieve strategic plan goals of Workforce Development, Resilience, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Our top candidate will be an innovative strategic thinker and collaborator who is responsive to customer needs and empowers our workforce to take on challenges. The ability to develop and maintain positive and effective interagency partnerships, and to lead a large organization with staff working in the office, via telework, and in the field is key. We’re looking for a leader who embraces continuous process improvement, promotes equitable access to decision-making, has a strong commitment to developing and retaining an inclusive and diverse workforce, and wants to make a difference.

What to Expect:

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Multimodal Planning & Data Division Director will:

  • Develop short- and long-term strategic directions for WSDOT’s planning for the state’s multimodal transportation system.
  • Develop and manage the biennial State Planning & Research work program for the use of federal and state planning and research funds.
  • Direct policy development regarding WSDOT’s roles and activities related to the Growth Management Act in close coordination with the Washington Department of Commerce.
  • Work directly with members of the legislature, and legislative and executive branch staff to ensure the provision of information related to multimodal transportation planning and transportation data collection and analysis methodology.
  • Represent the Secretary/Assistant Secretary as the departmental spokesperson on policy matters within the assigned area of responsibility and serve as the WSDOT representative to national organizations developing policy recommendations and guidance to USDOT and other agencies on issues related to transportation planning.
  • Align the division’s work to the agency’s vision, mission, values, and goals and for contributing to the agency’s strategic plan goals of Workforce Development, Resilience, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
  • Lead development of the federally compliant statewide long-range multimodal transportation plan and Community Engagement Plan.
  • Ensure timely delivery of HPMS requirements and associated collection and processing of transportation system use and performance data.

Qualifications:

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

  • Ten (10) years of experience in transportation policy development, planning, and analysis.
  • Five (5) years of experience managing staff.
  • Ability to travel across the state and to national meetings on a routine basis.

Knowledge and Experience:

A broad and comprehensive knowledge and experience in:

  • Managing multi-disciplinary organizations performing technically complex tasks in compliance with state and federal subject matter and administrative rules and guidelines.
  • The organization and functions of the Washington State government include the organization and practices of the legislature and the executive branch.
  • The organization and function of regional, county, city, and other local governments.
  • Strategic organizational planning, transportation planning, systems approaches, and transportation system performance measures.
  • Knowledge of state and federal requirements for transportation planning and data processes.
  • Knowledge of and ability to effectively community transportation’s role in supporting a vibrant economy, quality environments, and healthy communities.
  • Federal and state regulations that apply to and impact the work of the department and the mission, goals, programs, and policies in support of WSOT programs.
  • Identifying and communicating emerging best practices in transportation data collection, analysis, and reporting; transportation and land use planning.
  • Principles, practices, and trends in inclusive community engagement.
  • Principles, practices, and trends in public administration, organization, and management.
  • Techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evolution; methods of administrative problem-solving.
  • Personnel management techniques.
  • Implementing a program of professional development.
  • The process and supporting policy for the development of the state’s multimodal transportation plan and its impact on the implementation of the WSDOT capital project management and priority programming process.
  • Preparing and delivering effective presentations to impart information and obtain policy and planning decisions.

Skills & Abilities:

Demonstrate effective skills and ability to:

  • Create and maintain a visionary direction for the division and actionable implementation plans to achieve the vision.
  • Plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff in the office, via telework, and in the field.
  • Develop and sustain relationships with multiple and diverse transportation agencies and interest groups.
  • Analyze administrative policies, organizational procedures, and practices.
  • Integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals.
  • Gain the confidence and support of top-level executives and advise them on a variety of policy and administrative matters.
  • Take independent action to resolve problems within the span of control and authority.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • Experience with managing compliance with federal requirements for receipt of funding in support of transportation programs. 
  • Experience working in local government. 
  • Experience with organizational leadership and strategic planning. 
  • Experience with national and local initiatives for creative and innovative solutions to transportation challenges. 
  • Experience leading community engagement. 
  • Experience with the legislative process in providing testimony and briefings to decision-makers and committee staff.  
  • American Institute of Certified Planners accreditation is desired.

Important Notes:

  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. The official duty station for this position will be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs.
  •  In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
  • Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. An exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.  
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov 

Why WSDOT?

  • Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees can earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
  • Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
  • Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply:

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

To be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: 

  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • An attached Cover Letter that describes your interest in the position, how you meet or exceed the required qualifications, and why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

WSDOT is an equal-opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.